Global Entrepreneurship Festival Showcases Innovation, Opportunity and Global Collaboration

Proudly made-in-KwaZulu-Natal products took centre stage at the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) in Ghana, one of the world’s largest gatherings for SMMEs and a powerful catalyst for global enterprise and innovation.

Ten local entrepreneurs participated in a mega exhibition, showcasing their products to thousands of attendees from over 70 countries. The platform provided invaluable exposure to international markets, enabling local businesses to engage directly with global consumers, investors, and industry leaders.

For many entrepreneurs, the experience was both commercially and personally transformative. Thando Chisana, founder of Uthando Glow Beauty & Wellness, reflected on the opportunity to position her brand globally. “I am encouraged by the interest customers showed in my products, but even more so by the opportunity to learn about skincare practices and products in Ghana. This has been a great experience, one that I will never forget and one which I hope will move my business forward,” she said.

The KwaZulu-Natal delegation included representatives from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, as well as eThekwini Municipality, led by City Manager Musa Mbhele, who delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of global partnerships in driving inclusive economic growth. Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) was represented by Export Executive Manager Claude Moodley and Export Promotion Manager Matome Kgomommu, supporting entrepreneurs as part of the organisation’s export development mandate.

Participation in the festival formed part of a structured pipeline, with entrepreneurs selected during the GEF Durban Summit and further equipped through a targeted exporter training programme facilitated by TIKZN. This preparation ensured that participants were ready to engage effectively in international markets and maximise the opportunities presented by the festival.

Held over three days during Global Entrepreneurship Week, GEF 2025 attracted more than 10,000 participants and featured a dynamic programme of exhibitions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses. These engagements provided entrepreneurs with critical insights into global market trends, innovation, and business growth strategies.

Beyond exhibition opportunities, the festival created a high-impact networking environment, enabling participants to build meaningful connections with investors, suppliers, and potential partners. Fashion entrepreneur Lusanda Linqe, founder of Mangala Kreationz, highlighted the tangible benefits of these engagements. “My highlight was the successful sales and new supplier relationships, including access to distinctive Ghanaian fabrics that will further strengthen my brand,” she said.

The festival also reinforced the importance of cultural exchange and cross-border collaboration, exposing participants to diverse markets and business environments. Entrepreneurs gained a deeper understanding of how different economies operate, while identifying opportunities for expansion and partnership across the continent and beyond.

The Global Entrepreneurship Festival continues to demonstrate the power of entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation, inclusive growth, and global collaboration. For KwaZulu-Natal, participation in platforms such as GEF is not only about showcasing local products, but about positioning the province’s businesses to compete, connect, and grow in the global marketplace.